Newcastle United Opinion: Why the Magpies should go for Diego Laxalt?

According to the Chronicle, Newcastle United could be offered a chance to sign AC Milan flyer Diego Laxalt.

Diego Laxalt, 26, impressed for Uruguay at last summer’s World Cup and subsequently earned a move away from Genoa, joining AC Milan on a four-year contract. But his time at San Siro has been frustrating, with the 26-year-old starting just six games for Milan this season.

The report claims that Newcastle wanted to bring in Laxalt during the January transfer window, but the deal collapsed due to Milan’s asking price, and they signed Antonio Barreca on a loan deal instead. But the Magpies will be offered another chance to bring the Uruguayan to St James’ Park at the end of the season, as he’s had a torrid first season with Milan.

That being said, should Newcastle try signing Laxalt in the summer transfer window?

Without a shadow of doubt, yes! Newcastle are in need of a new left-back, with Antonio Barreca failing to make a mark in the Premier League since joining on loan from AS Monaco in January. In fact, Barreca won’t be signed permanently having played just few minutes for the Tyneside-based outfit.

Matt Ritchie has done an admirable job as a left wing-back this season but he cannot be relied upon for an entire season. Paul Dummett is the natural option Benitez has on the left flank, although the Welshman has been injury prone. Newcastle need stability and robustness as far as the left flank is concerned and that must tempt Benitez to go back in for Laxalt when the transfer window re-opens.

A speedy, tenacious and attacking player, who can play at left-back, left wing-back or on the left of the midfield, Laxalt will thrive in Benitez’s 3-4-2-1 system at St. James’ Park. The Uruguay international is known for blistering pace and attacking qualities with which he terrorizes the opposition.

He has enough pace under his belt to make recovering challenges in his own half. The 26-year-old is also a good dribbler with the ball at his feet, capable of finding spaces in behind the opposition players and whipping in crosses inside the box.

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But Laxalt’s end product can be frustrating and whether he can impose his authority in the Premier League remains in doubt. He still has a lot of room for improvement and hopefully, Benitez turns out to be the right manager to iron out his flaws and make him a top defender.

Verdict

While question marks remain over his defending and a lack of end product in the final third, Newcastle must take a punt on Laxalt, who at 26, certainly has his best years ahead of him.